Easy DIY Loom-Knit Boot Cuffs

I got a new pair of boots for Christmas. I adore them! So naturally, I have had my eye on some cute boot socks or boot cuffs to wear with them. I don’t knit or crochet though, so I was thinking I might have to bite the bullet and BUY some… until it occurred to me, I bet I could knit some on my loom! Yes, the classic kids’ craft, loom knitting. And it worked out so well! In about an hour for each boot cuff, I was able to whip up some handmade cuffs, which suits both my wallet, and the avid DIY-er in me. Take a look!

Boot cuffs are simple: they are a short cuff you put on over your calf to give the appearance of tall, cozy socks or legwarmers. But since most boots are too slim-fitting to actually accommodate something so bulky, they only go down into your boot a couple inches.

You may recall seeing the tutorial I shared back in the fall for making your own loom-knit cowl. I invested in a set of various sized loom knitters and this is another fantastic beginners’ project. Loom knitting is actually a great kids’ craft, so your kids could even make these (and if they can do it, I can do it! Haha).

Loom knitting is simple, and these actually work up exactly the same as the cowl I made – just in a different size, and with two strands of yarn at a time instead of just one. For this project, you will use the smallest size loom (the blue one).

First, loop your two strands of yarn around the placeholder peg, leaving a tail about 3-4 inches long. You will be tying this of at the end. Then, begin wrapping the yarn around each peg individually as shown below. I work clockwise, but if you are a lefty you may want to go counter-clockwise.

Now, you will be working with two rows at a time. So once you have this row woven, you will need to do a second row. Just push the first row down on the pegs, and repeat. Once you have completed your second row, use the hook to take the lower loop on each peg, and pass it over the peg and the upper loop.

Once you do that for the whole row, you will weave another row, and repeat using the hook to loop it over – knitting your piece! Your rows will begin to build on the inside of your loom. (When you get 3-4 rows in, you can also unwind that initial tail piece from the placeholder peg.) I knitted about 5 inches of rows – roughly 20. It took me just under an hour to do it.

When you have achieved the length you want, it’s time to tie it off. Unwind some extra yarn for this step – you want enough to go around the loom 1.5 – 2 times. Now, cut it off from your skeins of yarn.

Thread your yarn onto the plastic needle. You will pass it up through each loop to finish off the end. You may remove it as you go, or leave it on until the end – whatever your preference. I prefer to take it off, but if you do, just be sure not to pull too tightly.

Finally, You just need to knot off both the starting and finishing tails, and cut the excess yarn.

Now – just make a matching pair, and you’re all set! Different textures of yarns will give you a different look, and of course different colors can match any outfit!

I am so thrilled that I managed to knit myself a fun accessory without being a knitter or crocheter. And trust me – if I can do it, you can do it!

Adrianne is a writer, artist, designer, wife, and mom of 2 kids. She blogs at happyhourprojects.com where the theme is tutorials and recipes that can be made in an hour or less. Her favorite projects are jewelry-making, paper crafts, and recycled crafts. She participates annually in ArtPrize, an international art competition, and she's the author of the book DIY T-Shirt Crafts: 50 Ways to Recycle a T-Shirt (August 2015).

I used the 2nd smallest loom because that fit over my calf with room to spar. I’ve found that the smallest round loom in the kit (24 pegs) is better suited for wrist warmers. Knit about 16 rows then do the thumb holes. You make thumb holes by just reversing direction at the anchor peg and going back and forth for 5-7 rows depending on needed size. Knit 7 more rows before casting off. I prefer the crochet cast off at the hand because I think it’s pretty. Google it. 🙂

Also, you ARE knitting! To knit simply means to join together and that’s what you are doing. (And loom-knitting predates needle knitting; a knitting rake–a single-sided long loom–was found in an Egyptian tomb.)

Hi
This is brilliant, I’ve never considered making something like this! But can I ask how you decide what size loom to make them on? I have fatter legs than most people so do I need to find a different size loom, and how do I find out what size one to use? And if I want to make ones for other people, how do I know what size ones to use for them? Sorry to ask so many questions!
Donna x

I really just estimated. I looked at that size loom and thought it was similar to a calf size. It will stretch, so it should accommodate a lot of sizes. And since it doesn’t take much yarn and only about an hour – you can also test one out and see for yourself if you need to make adjustments! I know one-size-fits-all doesn’t truly ever fit everyone, but there is a lot of room with the natural stretch that loom-knitting provides.

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